Chief Steward

Company Description

Fairmont Cheshire – The Mere, Knutsford

At Fairmont Cheshire – The Mere, exceptional dining experiences begin behind the scenes. We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Chief Steward to lead the cleanliness, hygiene and operational readiness of our kitchens and back-of-house food and beverage areas.

This is a key leadership position within our Culinary team. You will create an environment in which our chefs and service teams can perform at their best—ensuring equipment is available, hygiene standards are consistently maintained and every kitchen operates in line with our cleanliness standards.

Job Description

You will report our Head chef's:

• Lead, inspire and develop the Stewarding team, creating a culture of pride, accountability and collaboration.
• Oversee the cleanliness and organisation of all kitchens, wash-up areas, stores and associated back-of-house spaces.
• Ensure the timely supply of clean crockery, cutlery, glassware, utensils and kitchen equipment across all outlets and events.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and workplace safety.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, COSHH, chemical-handling procedures and all applicable health and safety requirements.
• Manage cleaning schedules, deep-cleaning programmes and kitchen hygiene inspections.
• Monitor stock levels and control the responsible use of chemicals, cleaning materials and stewarding equipment.
• Support waste management, recycling and sustainability initiatives across the resort.
• Work closely with Culinary, Food & Beverage, Banqueting, Engineering and Health & Safety teams.
• Monitor equipment condition, arrange maintenance where required and support the protection of resort assets.
• Support internal audits and Environmental Health inspections, ensuring any actions are completed promptly.
• Manage departmental costs while maintaining the standards expected of a luxury Fairmont resort.

Qualifications

You will bring:

• Previous experience as a Chief Steward, Assistant Chief Steward or senior stewarding leader within a luxury hotel, resort or high-volume hospitality operation.
• Strong knowledge of kitchen hygiene, food safety, HACCP and COSHH requirements.
• Experience leading and developing a diverse operational team.
• Excellent planning skills and the ability to respond calmly to changing business demands.
• A hands-on leadership style and a genuine willingness to support the operation.
• Strong attention to detail and consistently high standards.
• Confidence managing rotas, stock, equipment and departmental costs.
• The flexibility to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

Additional Information

Joining Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere means becoming part of an ambitious resort team committed to creating distinctive experiences and cherished memories. You can expect:

• A supportive and inclusive working environment.
• Opportunities for learning, development and career progression.
• Hotel and dining benefits across the Accor and Fairmont network.
• Resort benefits and wellbeing initiatives.
• The opportunity to help shape standards and culture within an exceptional luxury resort.

If you are a visible leader who takes pride in impeccable standards and understands the essential role Stewarding plays in every successful dining experience, we would be delighted to hear from you.

At Fairmont, we turn distinctive moments into cherished memories.